UK postpones packaging recycling payment regulations

UK postpones packaging recycling payment regulations

Business

In response to the current economic challenges facing consumers and businesses, the UK government has decided, following extensive consultations with the industry, to defer the implementation of new regulations that require packaging producers to cover the costs of recycling their packaging. Originally scheduled for October 2024, these rules will now come into effect in 2025.

During this additional year, the government will continue its dialogue with industry stakeholders to refine the scheme's design and explore avenues to reduce implementation costs. In anticipation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), many producers have already taken steps to reduce packaging usage and transition to more recyclable formats. This trend is expected to persist, preventing the transfer of additional costs to households.

The decision to postpone producer payments has been made in collaboration with devolved administrations. It aims to provide the industry, local authorities, and waste management companies with extra time to prepare for the effective rollout of the scheme. This adjustment ensures that the scheme aligns with long-term recycling objectives while assisting households facing immediate challenges due to inflation-induced high prices.

Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: We’re determined to transform the way we collect, recycle and reuse our waste materials so we eliminate all avoidable waste by 2050 in a way that works for households and consumers. That’s better for our environment. We are also listening to industry and ensuring our work to tackle inflation and to drive up recycling go hand in hand, to make sure our reforms will be a success.

The government reaffirms its commitment to achieving its waste reduction goals, aiming to eliminate avoidable waste by 2050 and boost municipal waste recycling to 65% by 2035.

Latest Packaging News

Spring 2025: Packaging trends bloom with innovation, sustainability and digital shifts
Sustainability

Spring 2025: Packaging trends bloom with innovation, sustainability and digital shifts

As the packaging industry steps into spring 2025, innovation is blooming across the supply...
Portugal to introduce national deposit return scheme by 2026
Sustainability

Portugal to introduce national deposit return scheme by 2026

Portugal will roll out a nationwide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage containers...
Interroll: Increase safety and reduce cost with automated pallet conveyor systems
Supplier News

Interroll: Increase safety and reduce cost with automated pallet conveyor systems

In today’s fast-paced logistics and manufacturing sectors, efficiency and safety have become...
PHS: Layer palletisers for beverages
Supplier News

PHS: Layer palletisers for beverages

Layer palletisers operate by systematically placing complete layers of products—such as bottles,...
Craemer Group: The new E3-5 pallet as Zero Virgin
Supplier News

Craemer Group: The new E3-5 pallet as Zero Virgin

The newly developed E3-5 pallet from Craemer is a robust all-rounder among heavy-duty pallets. For...